Mary Habila Death: Police Launch Investigation as Umahi Calls for Transparency

The Ebonyi State Police Command has intensified its investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a member of a medical team attached to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.

Authorities have announced plans to conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of her death, despite reports that members of her family initially opposed an autopsy.

Police Order Autopsy

According to the Ebonyi State Police Command, the decision to carry out an autopsy was made to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.

Police spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu disclosed that officers received a distress report regarding a medical emergency involving Habila at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital in Uburu.

Upon arrival, authorities were informed that she had been brought to the hospital deceased.

The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for detailed investigation.

Habila Died at Minister's Residence

Preliminary police findings indicate that Habila was part of a medical team attached to the Minister of Works and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

Investigators revealed that she died inside a room located within the minister's residential compound.

Police detectives have since visited the scene, collected evidence, and obtained statements from relevant individuals connected to the incident.

Umahi Speaks on the Incident

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja, Senator David Umahi described Habila as someone very close to his family.

According to the minister, she had lived with his family for approximately three years and was employed at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.

Umahi stated that she had been battling an undisclosed medical condition and that he had personally supported her medical treatment, including hospital bills reportedly running into millions of naira.

Details of Her Final Hours

The minister disclosed that Habila reportedly spoke with her boyfriend shortly before her death.

According to Umahi, she complained of persistent nose bleeding during the conversation but allegedly declined suggestions to alert others because she did not want to disturb anyone.

He stated that attempts to reach her shortly afterward were unsuccessful.

Colleagues later forced open the door to her room, which had reportedly been locked from the inside, and found her unresponsive.

Umahi added that the bathroom tap was still running when the room was opened.

Calls for Independent Investigation

The incident has generated significant public attention, with political groups and civil society observers calling for an independent inquiry.

The Allied People's Movement (APM) has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the minister pending the outcome of investigations.

The party argued that a transparent and independent process is necessary to address public concerns and maintain confidence in the justice system.

APM also raised questions about conflicting reports surrounding Habila's movements before her death and the circumstances under which she arrived at the minister's residence.

Physiotherapy Association Issues Clarification

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has stated that Habila's name does not appear in its database of registered physiotherapists.

The association emphasized that professional credentials should always be verified through appropriate regulatory bodies before public claims are made.

The NSP noted that professional identity is determined through official registration and regulatory processes rather than public assumptions.

Investigation Continues

Authorities say investigations remain ongoing, with the planned autopsy expected to provide critical information regarding the circumstances surrounding Habila's death.

Police have assured the public that the inquiry will be conducted professionally and that all relevant facts will be established through scientific and legal procedures.

The outcome of the investigation is expected to clarify many of the questions currently being raised by members of the public and stakeholders following the tragic incident.